Fin's Fish Guide
The Coral cod (Helicolenus percoides) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand; rocky and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The red gurnard perch is a scorpionfish of the rockfish family (Sebastidae) from the temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand. The species grows to about 47 cm and has a stocky, reddish body with dark bars and a large, spiny head. It lives on rocky and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and slope. As an ambush predator it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. The red gurnard perch is a valued commercial fish. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; therefore handle a caught specimen with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Coral cod?
The Coral cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Reddish body with a large, spiny head; venomous fin spines, valued commercial fish.
Where does the Coral cod live?
The Coral cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Temperate waters around southern Australia and New Zealand; rocky and muddy bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Coral cod get?
The Coral cod grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Coral cod dangerous to humans?
The Coral cod is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Coral cod edible?
Yes, the Coral cod is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Helicolenus
More from the family Sebastidae
Want the complete picture on the Coral cod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Coral cod is one of 12,519 species in the app.